Irfan, Towhid guide Najmul XI to winning start

Najmul XI got off to a winning start at the BCB President’s Cup defeating Mahmudullah XI by four wickets on the opening day of the tournament at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Sunday. The victory for the young Najmul XI came riding on a 105-run partnership for the sixth wicket from Towhid Hridoy and Irfan Shukkur, with both youngsters hitting fifty as competitive cricket returned to Bangladesh after a break of around seven months.

Chasing 197, Najmul XI were off to a shaky start after opponent pacer Ebadat Hossain removed the top order including experienced campaigner Mushfiqur Rahim. Trailing at 79 for 5, Towhid and Irfan kept the scoreboard busy and eliminated the pressure of early dismissals. Towhid fell for 52 leaving the side just 13 runs away from the shore but Irfan remained unbeaten on 56 to take his team home. Ebadat led Mahmudullah XI bowlers with 3 for 45 in nine overs.

Earlier, Najmul XI bowlers kept the opponents in control and restricted their total to 196 runs. Opener Naim Sheikh's early departure from a run out was followed by Taskin Ahmed removing Liton Das on 13 while Mominul Haque fell for zero to another pacer Al Amin Hossain.

Mahmudullah partnered with Imrul Kayes to repair the innings scoring 51 and 41 respectively. Sabbir Rahman added a quick 25 to the tally before Mukidul Islam Mugdho removed the right handed batsman.

Pacers Taskin, Al Amin and Mukidul picked two wickets apiece for the winning team.